What is Puberty for boys?

The body of every boy (below the age of 9) is very different from that of a man. When you look at a man and a boy, there are distinct differences. You will notice that the man is hairy all over, muscular, and speaks with a very hoarse voice. Why is it so? It all happens at puberty, and we will soon find out here.


Puberty (say: pyoo-ber-tee) is when your body changes from a child to that of a man, an adult. Boys start puberty around 10 or 12 years old, but it can happen earlier or later. The changes happen because of male hormones produced by the testes in boys.

Hormones are chemical substances that are produced and released by some organs in your body. For example, when your body is ready to have a baby, your brain will tell your body to produce the relevant hormones to get the reproductive system ready.

The time when the physical changes and emotional changes happen is called adolescence.

What sets it going?

When your body is ready to begin puberty, your brain will tell the pituitary (say: pih-too-uh-ter-ee) gland (a pea-shaped gland located at the bottom of your brain) to release special hormones. This special hormones will work with your body to change from being a boy to a man.

Your brain will mature too, and almost everything about you, and the way you see and feel things will change. After puberty you will no longer be a little boy. You will be an adolescent and will be expected to behave yourself (no more baby and childish things, haha)

Depending on whether you're a boy or a girl, these hormones go to work on your skin, reproductive organs and hair. It also affects your emotions and moods. This happens naturally, and no one can force it to happen sooner or later.

It is important to know that after puberty, even though you are no longer a child, you still need to take your time and discover more of yourself. You have to be patient and learn a lot about choices and consequences, until you are very ready to live as an adult.